604 Instructional Materials
604.1 Instructional Materials; Reconsideration Procedures
Code 604.1
Instructional Materials; Reconsideration Procedures
Definition. The term "instructional materials" shall include printed materials, audio-visual materials, and computer-based materials, and shall include materials used in the classroom and available in the media centers.
Selection and Inspection.
Persons Involved. The selection of instructional materials shall be delegated to the instructional staff, under the supervision of the administrative staff. Material purchased for school media centers shall be recommended for purchase by the professional personnel of the media center in consultation with administrative staff and instructional staff. All material recommended shall be approved by the building administrator.
Criteria. In selecting instructional materials, the following criteria should be considered:
1. Instructional materials should support the goals of the District and the objectives of the curricular offering in which the materials will be used.
2. Instructional materials should be appropriate for the age, emotional and social development, and ability level of the students for whom the materials are selected.
3. Instructional materials should be diverse with respect to levels of difficulty, reader appeal, and should present a variety of points of view.
4. Instructional materials should meet high standards of quality in factual content and presentation.
5. Instructional materials should have aesthetic, cultural, literary, or social value. The value and impact of any literary work will be judged as a whole, taking into account the author's intent rather than individual words, phrases or incidents.
6. Instructional materials should foster respect for men, women, the disabled, and minority groups and should portray a variety of roles and life styles open to people in today's world.
7. Instructional materials should be designed to motivate students to examine their own attitudes and behaviors and to comprehend their own duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges as participating citizens in a pluralistic society.
8. Instructional materials should be selected taking into account instructional materials already available in the District in order to meet the above criteria and in order to replace materials worn, obsolete or no longer appropriate. Professional staff shall provide for constant and continuing renewal of the collection not only by the addition of up-to-date material, but by the judicious elimination of materials which no longer meet needs or find use.
9. Other criteria as developed by the licensed staff under the supervision of the administrative staff.
Inspection. Persons may request to view instructional materials used in the District by filing a request with the building principal. All instructional materials, including teachers' manuals, films, tapes, or other supplementary material which will be used in connection with instruction on human growth and development or which will be used in connection with any survey, analysis, or evaluation as part of any federally-funded program must be available for inspection by parents.
Reconsideration of Instructional Material.
Persons. Any student, parent or guardian, staff member, or resident may raise an objection to or ask for reconsideration of instructional materials or the manner in which they are being used by using the following procedures.
Procedures.
1. The person shall first meet with the licensed staff member who is using the instructional material in an attempt to resolve the matter informally. The licensed staff member shall notify the building principal that a request for reconsideration has been made. The licensed staff member may attempt to resolve the matter by offering alternative instructional materials to a student if the student or student's parent or guardian files the request.
2. In the event the matter is not satisfactorily resolved, the person requesting reconsideration must submit to the building principal a formal written request for reconsideration on a form provided by the building principal.
3. The building principal shall appoint a temporary review committee to review the request for reconsideration. The review committee shall be comprised of an administrator (not from the building) as chairperson, a media professional (if the objection or request is made to instructional material available in the media center, the media professional shall be from a different building), two teachers, including one member, if possible, from the department where the materials are being used (but shall not include the teacher who held the informal meeting), two residents of the District, and one secondary student.
4. Within thirty (30) days of the filing of the written request for reconsideration, the review committee shall meet in open session with the objector and the licensed staff member who held the informal meeting and any other person the review committee shall request to attend. Prior to said meeting, the review committee shall review the instructional material.
5. Following the meeting with the objector and the licensed staff member, the review committee shall deliberate and shall prepare a recommendation to the building principal. The recommendation shall be in writing and shall be delivered (by personal delivery or by mail) to the building principal, the objector, and the licensed staff member within fifteen (15) days of the deliberation.
6. The review committee may recommend that:
a. the instructional material be retained and used as planned; or
b. all or part of the instructional material be withdrawn; or
c. all or part of the instructional material be limited in its use; or
d. a different method of presentation of the instructional material be utilized.
7. The building principal, within ten days of receipt of the recommendation, shall issue a written decision on the request for reconsideration and shall deliver (by personal delivery or by mail) a copy of the decision to the objector, to the licensed staff member who held the informal meeting, to the chair of the review committee, and to the Superintendent for transmittal to the Board of Directors. The principal may adopt, reverse or modify the decision of the review committee. The objector or licensed staff member may appeal the decision pursuant to Board policy 204.11 starting with the Superintendent.
Withdrawal. Instructional materials shall not be removed or withdrawn from use during the pendency of the review process except upon three-fourths vote of the entire membership of the review committee and approval of the building principal, who shall state compelling reasons in writing for such action. The review committee may recommend that a particular student or group of students be provided alternative instructional materials during the pendency of the review upon a majority vote of the entire membership of the review committee.
Criterion. The sole criterion for decisions shall be the appropriateness of the material for its intended educational use.
Elimination and Replacement of Instructional Materials. The District shall provide for the regular "weeding" and elimination of instructional materials (both classroom and media center materials). The media specialist may remove materials which are no longer important for meeting District goals and curriculum objectives. The advice of instructional personnel, students and community members may be sought. No materials shall be withdrawn or discarded merely because they contain controversial opinions. Infrequently used materials should be retained if they contribute to the excellence of the collection as a whole. Classroom instructional materials may be removed from inventory when they are no longer important to the instructional program, following general selection and replacement guidelines.
Date of Review: April 9, 2018
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Date of Revision: April 9, 2018
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Legal References:
279.8, 279.50, 280.3, 280.6, 280.14, Chapter 301, Code of Iowa; 281 I.A.C. 12.3(12), 12.5(8), 12.5(16),
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604.1 Exhibit A - Request for Reconsideration of Instructional Materials Form
Name of Person Requesting Reconsideration:
Address:
Telephone Number:
Email Address:
Building Where Material Used:
Grade Level:
Course or Media Center:
Instructor’s Name:
Material Being Asked to Be Reconsidered:
Basis for Your Request:
Remedy Requested (Removal, Different Instructional Approach, Limited Access, etc.):
Signature Date
543335
604.1 Exhibit B - Appointment of Instructional Material Reconsideration Review Committee
APPOINTMENT OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL
RECONSIDERATION REVIEW COMMITTEE
The following persons are appointed to serve on the Decorah Temporary Instructional Material Review Committee to consider the request made by on (date) regarding the following instructional material(s):
Administrator and Chair
Media Professional
Teacher
Teacher
District Resident
District Resident
Secondary Student
The review committee shall meet with the person(s) requesting reconsideration and with the licensed staff member utilizing the material and shall issue a recommendation to me.
Building Principal
Date
543336
DECORAH COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
604.2 Technology
Code No. 604.2
TECHNOLOGY
The Board of Directors supports the use of technology in the delivery of the educational program. The Board encourages the instructional staff, under the direction of the administration, to utilize instructional television, audio-visual materials, computers, tablets, internet, word processing equipment and other technological advances as a part of the regular curriculum and school activity program. The District shall incorporate its plan for the use of technology in the curriculum, including providing training for the understanding and use of current technology by staff and students, and demonstrated use of technology, to meet its student learning goals in its comprehensive school improvement plan.
Date of Review: April 9, 2018
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Date of Revision: April 9, 2018 |
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Legal References:
256.7, 256.11, 256.33, 256.37, 280.3, 280.12, 280.14, Code of Iowa; 281 I.A.C., 12.5(4) 12.5(10), 12.8, Chapter 15
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604.3 Internet
Code No. 604.3
INTERNET
Telecommunications, electronic information sources, networked services, and social media significantly alter the information landscape for schools by opening classrooms to a broader array of resources and by enabling students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards while exchanging messages with people throughout the world. The Board of Directors recognizes that as telecommunications and other new technologies shift the ways that information may be accessed, communicated, and transferred by members of society, those changes will also alter instruction and student learning.
While instructional and library media materials can usually be screened based on selection criteria prior to use, the new sources of information are not always capable of being screened in advance. Because the global network leads to any publicly available fileserver in the world, telecommunications may open classrooms to electronic information resources which have not been screened by educators for use by students of various ages. Further, students may find ways to access other materials as well. The Board of Directors believes, however, that the benefits to students and staff from access to information resources and opportunities for collaboration exceed the possible disadvantages. The Board of Directors supports access by students and staff members to a variety of information resources.
The instructional staff shall use such information resources throughout the curriculum and provide guidance and instruction in order for the students to analyze and evaluate such resources. The staff should honor, as much as possible, guidelines for instructional material selection while working with students in the new technologies.
Because technology is a vital part of the District curriculum, the Internet will be made available to employees and students. Appropriate and equitable use of the Internet will allow employees and students to access resources unavailable through traditional means. Employees and students will be instructed on the appropriate use of the Internet.
Students and employees will be able to access Internet through individual accounts, and electronic mail addresses may be issued to students and employees. Additionally, teachers may utilize social media platforms as part of the classroom communication. Independent use of telecommunications and electronic information resources will only be permitted upon the signing of the District’s Acceptable Use Policy. Failure to conform with the terms and conditions of the District’s Acceptable Use Policy or other applicable school policy or law may lead to disciplinary action of the employee or student and may also lead to the withdrawal of the privilege to have independent access to the Internet. Ultimately, parents and guardians of students are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when independently using telecommunications resources, social media and information sources. To that end, the Decorah Community School District supports and respects each family’s right to decide whether or not to apply for independent access to the Internet.
Date of Review: April 9, 2018
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Date of Revision: April 9, 2018 |
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Legal References:
256.11, 279.8, 280.3, 280.14, Code of Iowa; 281 I.A.C. 12.5(4), 12.5(10)
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604.3 Exhibit A - Student Computer/Internet Usage Acceptable Use Policy
Code 604.3
Exhibit A
DECORAH COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
STUDENT COMPUTER/INTERNET USAGE ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
All of the District’s automated systems, including electronic mail, internet access and electronic storage systems, are District property, and are not confidential. The District has the right to access, review, copy, modify, and delete any information transmitted through or stored in the system, including e-mail messages, web postings, and other online communications. Files containing personal information of a student are treated no differently than the District’s other files, and the student has no expectation of privacy in such materials.
Internet access is available to students in the Decorah Community School District. The internet is an electronic highway connecting millions of computers and individual subscribers all over the world. With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting. On a global network, it is impossible to control all materials, and a user may discover controversial information. The District believes that the valuable information and interaction available on the internet far outweighs the possibility that users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational objectives of the District.
Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies and regional and state networks. In addition, the smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end user who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided so that students are aware of the responsibilities they must undertake when accessing the District’s network resources. In general, students are required to make efficient, ethical and legal utilization of the network resources. If a District user violates any of these provisions, his or her account may be terminated and further discipline may be imposed.
1) Acceptable Use. The purpose of the Decorah Community School District’s internet access is to support research and education consistent with District goals and objectives by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. The use of a student account must be in support of education and research and consistent with the educational objectives of the District. Use of other organizations’ networks or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network; however, students remain subject to the District’s general rules governing legal and ethical behavior when using such resources on District property or at District activities. The creation, access, or transmission of any material in violation of any federal or state law, regulation or District policy is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: material protected by copyright, trademark or other trade secret laws, and items which are or may be reasonably considered to be defamatory, obscene, pornographic, lewd, profane, offensive, discriminatory, harassing, or otherwise disturbing or harmful to minors. Use of network resources for commercial activities, product advertisement, political lobbying and/or other activities in violation of federal or state ethics and campaign disclosure laws is also prohibited. Only properly licensed software authorized by the District may be loaded onto the District’s system, and no programs or files shall be downloaded from the internet without prior permission of the District.
2) Privilege. The use of the internet and network resources is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in a suspension or cancellation of those privileges or other disciplinary action. The principal will deem what is inappropriate use in accordance with these guidelines and will take appropriate action. The principal or a system administrator may suspend or close an account at any time. Notification of any suspension or cancellation of an account will be given in writing to the user within two weeks of the action. Students whose accounts are denied, suspended, or revoked may appeal such action using the student complaint procedure.
3) Network Etiquette (Netiquette). Users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
a) Be polite. Do not use abusive or offensive language in messages sent to others.
b) Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities, profanity, lewd remarks, or any other inappropriate language. Illegal activities are strictly forbidden.
c) Do not release personal information. Do not reveal personal addresses or phone numbers or other personal information, or that of other students or colleagues.
d) Note that email, web postings (including blogs, Facebook pages Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.), and other online communications are not private. People who operate the system and other school personnel do have access to all information transmitted through or stored in the District’s system. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities or activities in violation of District policies may be reported to the proper authorities or used against students in school disciplinary proceedings.
e) Respect other users. Do not use the District’s network in such a way that would disrupt the use of the network by other users, or would waste system resources. Do not send unsolicited e-mail messages (including spam) and do not use the District’s network as a way to harass, bully or intimidate others. Such behavior will not be tolerated and will be subject to disciplinary action.
f) Compliance with Laws. Under no circumstances may any user engage in any activity that is illegal under local, state, federal, or international laws, or that is prohibited by District policies or rules.
4) Reliability. The Decorah Community School District makes no warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, for the service it is providing. The District will not be responsible for any damages that students or other persons may suffer. This includes damages due to loss of data resulting from delays, nondeliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions, whether caused by the District’s own negligence or students’ errors or omissions. The District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.
5) Security. Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If students identify a security problem with the District’s internet or network resources, students must notify a teacher, principal or the system administrator. Students should not demonstrate the problem to other users. In addition, students should take all necessary steps to prevent unauthorized access to their accounts, and may not use another individual’s account. Any attempt to log on to the internet as a system administrator is prohibited. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to the District’s internet and network resources.
6) Vandalism. Vandalism by a student will result in cancellation of a student’s network privileges and may be grounds for other disciplinary action. Vandalism is defined as any malicious act or attempt to harm, modify, or destroy the computer property or data of the District or another user, the internet or network resources of the District, or any other technologies used in the District.
This includes, but is not limited to, participation in hacking or the uploading or creation of computer viruses and other malicious programs.
7) Restricted Material. Users shall not create, access, download, or disseminate any text file, picture, or other material that includes material which is defamatory, harassing, discriminatory, obscene, pornographic, libelous, indecent, vulgar, profane, lewd, disturbing and harmful to minors, or which advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law, or which is otherwise prohibited by this policy. If a user encounters such restricted material, the user should immediately terminate contact with the material and notify District personnel.
8) Unauthorized Costs. Users shall not access any service or site via the internet which has a cost involved without prior consent of the District. Users accessing such a service without prior consent will have access suspended and will be responsible for all costs.
- Account Information. The District will require all users to notify the system administrator of all changes in account information. Currently, there are no user fees for use of the Internet.
- Monitoring. The District may monitor the use of District equipment, systems, and network resources at any time, with or without notice to users.
- Harassment and Bullying. In accordance with Iowa law, the District’s policy against harassment and bullying applies to electronic communications such as e-mail messages, internet-based communications, cell phones, and electronic text messaging while on District property, at District activities or District sponsored events. Students shall not engage in harassing or bullying behavior via any electronic means, including those means that may not necessarily be a part of the District communications network system.
- Internet Safety. To the extent required by federal law, the District shall monitor the online activities of minor students and use technology protection measures to protect against their access of inappropriate material online. The District shall also educate students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms and cyberbullying awareness and response. This District education does not and should not take the place of parents educating their children at home about the importance of Internet and other on-line safety measures.
- Student Use of Personal Communication Devices. The District prohibits student use of personal communication devices such as cellular phones, smart devices, and tablets for purposes not directly related to established educational programming. If a student has a question regarding the use of a communication device, including but not limited to whether the use of that device is prohibited by this policy, the student should contact the building principal or his/her designee before using the device. The prohibition of these devices is required to prevent unnecessary disruption of the educational process.
- Authorization. Parent/Guardians shall be asked to sign off as having read this policy with their student(s) on the registration form at the start of school.
Date of Review: April 9, 2018 Form Revised: April 9, 2018
604.4 Media Centers
Code No. 604.4
MEDIA CENTERS
The District shall maintain a media center in each attendance center for use by staff and by students. Each media center shall be accessible to students throughout the school day. The District shall implement written curriculum covering all grade levels for instruction and reinforcement of information search and media skills integrated with classroom instruction.
Date of Review: April 9, 2018
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Date of Revision: May 10, 2004
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Legal References:
256.11, 279.8, 280.3, 280.14, Code of Iowa; 281 I.A.C. 12.3(12), 12.5
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670719
DECORAH COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
604.5 Use of Information Resources
Code 604.5
Use of Information Resources
Copyrighted materials, whether they are print or non-print, will not be duplicated unless such reproduction meets "fair use" standards or unless written permission from the copyright holder has been received. The Board does not sanction illegal duplication in any form. The four criteria for evaluating "fair use" are:
1. The purpose and character of the use, including whether such is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;
2. The nature of the copyrighted work;
3. The amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and
4. The effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the work.
Details about "fair use" will be made available to all staff. At no time shall it be necessary for staff to violate copyright requirements in order to perform their duties. The school district is not responsible for copyright violations by ex-students. Violation of the copyright law by employees may result in discipline up to, and including, termination. Violation of the copyright law by students may result in discipline up to, and including, suspension and expulsion.
Date of Review: April 9, 2018
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Date of Adoption: April 9, 2018
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Legal References:
17 U.S.C. 107
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